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好的专利发明是这样的一种存在：在它之前，别人无论如何也想不到；在它之后，大家觉得这个也太显而易见。 每一个专利商业化成功的背后，必定有一些人曾经做出过勇敢而又孤独的决定。

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https://www.jackpot.co.uk/features/patent-pending-five-unusual-casino-inventions

Patent Pending: Five Unusual Casino Inventions

The gaming industry has seen no shortage of weird and wacky inventions over the years. Here's Team Jackpot's top five.

The casinos’ masterminds are continually trying to find new ways to entertain punters, to make the overall experience as enjoyable as possible – while of course encouraging players to stay on-site and gamble for longer.

In the course of their innovation, some of these ideas are deemed worthy of protecting, and that means we can take a look back over the years at some past patents filed by casinos and their suppliers all over the world.

1. Take one for the team

casino floorCredit: Wikimedia.org

As long ago as March 1998, US research lab Walker Digital filed a patent to enable teams of players to participate in a single slots session, and share the proceeds of any wins.

This not only allows individuals to take breaks, it actually included a method to “generally increase payout levels for longer sessions”, actually incentivising teams to play for longer.

2. Have a seat

casino seating patent - MexicoCredit: Google Patents

Are you sitting comfortably? According to a patent filed in 1999 by Ben Rubin, the answer to that question in most casinos is probably ‘no’, with chairs fixed to the floor or the edge of the table, and unable to adjust to accommodate players with different waist measurements.

His invention was a spring-loaded chair that could be easily pushed back to the right distance from the table, along a fixed track, and would automatically pull itself back in to the table edge once vacated, making it easier for players to join and leave, and for spectators to move around the table’s surrounding area.

3. Brr brr busy line

casino phone boxCredit: Wikimedia.org

In a 1997 patent, Walker Digital outlined a method to give players free long-distance telephone calls, as long as they keep wagering above a minimum threshold.

Amazingly, the patent mentioned several casinos – including Trump Castle in Atlantic City, and Mirage Resorts Treasure Island – that already at that time provided telephones and even video concierge services to players seated at their slot machines, so they would not have to move away to make dinner reservations.

4. Total entertainment

casino entertainment systemCredit: Google Patents

If a video butler sounds fancy, imagine having a whole home cinema system built into your slot machine – that is what Rio Hotel Casino patented way back in 1992.

Their patent application described a centrally operated entertainment system complete with VCR and audio tape deck, live broadcasts, recorded content and the ability to choose individual players to receive different streams direct to the screen and speakers on their slot machine.

5. Treat your feet

casino pouch patentCredit: Google Patents

Our favourite ‘invention’ has to be one dating all the way back to the early 1990s, filed by Marne A Glass, and which consisted of a carrying pouch for a cup of coins or casino chips, with an attached pocket for a pair of slippers.

The application explained that people face foot discomfort for various reasons – swelling from the heat, or from spending a period of time on a guided tour or coach trip – while some simply need a change from casual shoes to smart ones for an evening show or dinner.

Glass’ patent application stated: “The casino patron can easily switch uncomfortable shoes for comfortable hard sole slippers… The folded slippers can be plain and simple, to glitzy gold and silver.”

Finally, somewhere to store your golden slippers while you hit the slots…!